4. Push the offensive pace The Pacers’ height advantage has caused significant problems for the Magic all series, but one way to negate Indy’s height advantage is to prevent Indy’s defense from getting set. “To me, there’s no other way to effectively play against size, especially athletic size, than to keep them on the move,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “The slower we move, the slower we play, the tougher they become.” To do that, Orlando has to stop its plodding offensive ways and push the ball whenever possible. Orlando also has to swing the ball and employ good ball movement. Orlando’s halfcourt offense struggled in Game 4 when Chris Duhon spelled Nelson. Van Gundy might be well-served to play speedier Ish Smith instead of Duhon.

5. Stop the Indiana break The Pacers want to score in transition, and it’s no coincidence that the Magic were at their most competitive in this series when they limited the Pacers’ fastbreak points. Indy scored just five fastbreak points in Game 1 and only six fastbreak points in Game 4. The Magic will have to keep their turnovers low, and their guards and small forwards have to make a conscious effort to sprint back on defense after every shot.